From a seafood icon with sweeping Bay Bridge views to a laidback Nepalese spot, these most romantic restaurants in SF are the perfect setting for everything from first dates to anniversaries and proposals.
An old-school steakhouse in Van Ness with rolling carts and extra-large martinis wows couples celebrating just about anything. A seafood icon in Embarcadero is a proposal favorite for sweeping Bay Bridge views. And a laidback Nepalese place in Mission makes an ideal first date spot, thanks to colorful cocktails and a moody blue dining room.
This guide pairs San Francisco restaurants with romantic occasions from first dates all the way to milestone anniversaries.
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Read on for a guide to San Francisco’s 12 best date-night restaurants
For a first date
For a laid-back California-inspired spot with a lush patio – head to Cultivar (Marina/Cow Hollow/Presidio)
Cultivar’s unassuming modern facade doesn’t exactly scream romance. But in-the-know locals head to the Californian spot for a table on the back patio—a surprisingly lush and private escape. Here, the oversized fireplace is the low-key star, creating a charming mood to go with Cultivar’s small-batch wines and seasonal dishes. Standouts include New York steak with chimichurri, mushroom risotto, decadent made-for-sharing cheese and charcuterie boards.
For a Nepalese feast at a cozy local favorite – visit Dancing Yak (Mission)
For a first date that’s off the beaten track, head to Dancing Yak, a restaurant inspired by the mountains of Nepal. Get comfortable in the yellow velvet chairs and sip on colorful cocktails like the bourbon-forward Don’t Talk Yak or the mezcal-fueled Spicy Yeti while snacking on juicy momos (dumplings) in spicy tomato sauce. You can graduate to curries and biryanis if things are going exceptionally well.
For a second date
For elegant Venetian-inspired small plates at one of the most romantic restaurants in SF – head to Sorella (Russian Hill)
The little sister spinoff of MICHELIN-Starred Acquerello, Sorella’s cicchetti—Venetian-inspired cocktails and snacks—make it an ideal spot for a second date. Slide into the bar for a casual drink, and have fun sampling the amaro paired with small plates like arancini and anchovy toast with cultured butter. Plus, it’s a quintessential Streamline Moderne building, if you want to test your date’s taste in SF architecture.
For cozy French bistro vibes at one of the most romantic restaurants in SF- reserve a spot at L’Ardoise (The Castro)
This neighborhood gem is the quintessential French bistro. “L’Ardoise” means “chalkboard,” evoking scribbled menus in Parisian restaurants. The petite dining room is filled with cozy corners for snuggling, and it’s the rare SF restaurant where you can actually hear your date. But you’ll find yourself leaning in anyway, drawn to steak frites or duck confit in the glow of candlelight.
For an anniversary or milestone
For fine Cantonese dining in a historic space – book a table at Empress by Boon (Chinatown)
With its regal blue interiors, Empress by Boon evokes the grandeur of its home in a historic Chinatown banquet hall. The elegant date spot is worthy of extra-special romantic occasions, fueled by a knockout Cantonese tasting menu from award-winning chef Ho Chee Boon, featuring celebration-worthy dishes like baked Alaskan black cod in sa cha sauce and lobster in sweet chile glaze.
For a romantic dinner at a classic SF steakhouse – visit House of Prime Rib (Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness)
House of Prime Rib is the king of steakhouses in San Francisco. Whether you’re celebrating one month or 20 years, it’s the spot to shake things up with an extra-large martini. Locals love the luxurious prime-rib dinner as much as the outrageously fun time: Diners get rowdy when the carts roll through the dining room, with chefs spinning salads and slicing cuts to order. Book early to score a coveted red leather booth for an unforgettable night together.
For an intimate and cozy night out
For cozy vibes and wood-fired Mediterranean fare – head to Kokkari Estiatorio (Financial District)
Kokkari may be a power-lunch hub by day, but at night, it becomes one of SF’s coziest date spots. The taverna is decked with wooden beams and ceramic accents for days, plus a natural stone hearth that’s responsible for Mediterranean-inspired hits like grilled octopus and smoky lamb chops with lemon-oregano vinaigrette. The staff here is all about philoxenia, or the concept of turning a stranger into a friend, making Kokkari equally great for both early-in-the-game dates and special occasions.
For a knockout omakase experience at one of the most romantic restaurants in SF – visit Sushi Hon (Mission District)
Sushi Hon is for couples who worship at the altar of omakase and where you go for an impressive, uncluttered tasting menu. The zuke chu-toro (soy-cured fatty tuna) might be the best way to a sushi lover’s heart. Add a sleek, charcoal-colored backdrop and lighting that focuses on the fish, and you’ve got the kind of world-class Japanese spot you’ll want to keep coming back to.
For a group date
For a crowd-pleasing Latin-meets-Carribbean destination – pull up at ¡Chao Pescao! (Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness)
¡Chao Pescao! blasted open with a riot of color in 2021, when owner Rene Denis decided to combine the best of his Cuban and Colombian heritage, inviting empanadas and arepas to the party. It’s a fun spot to come with a date, double date, or whole crew, for a round of cocktails just as bright as the decor. Plus, it’s conveniently located close to the Theatre District, if you need to catch a bite before a show.
For an evening of eatertainment
For live jazz at one of the most romantic restaurants in SF – reserve a spot at BIX (Financial District/Embarcadero)
A trip to BIX shuttles you to a bygone San Francisco era. The stylish American supper club was founded in 1988 and owes its popularity to a nightly jazz band performance. Expect impeccable service from bartenders dressed in signature white jackets—but the staff’s buttoned-up outfits don’t mean they’re snooty. Instead, they make diners feel super welcome in a restaurant owner Doug “Bix” Biederbecke describes as “a party every night.”
For an adventurous and transportive date
For a Swiss-inspired après-ski experience – head to The Matterhorn Restaurant and Bakery (Marina/Cow Hollow/Presidio)
Who can resist the charms of fondue? Take a ride to the Swiss Alps at the ski-lodge-inspired Matterhorn, which is kitted out like a chalet with pine-wood paneling, electric trains, and even a full-on gondola that exclusively seats one lucky couple. The team bakes the sourdough in-house and melts the best gruyere, so dunk away and see where the night takes you.
For a proposal-worthy place
For epic Bay Bridge views at one of the most romantic restaurants in SF – book a table at Waterbar (Financial District/Embarcadero)
Every diner seems to be celebrating something at this splashy, Pat Kuleto–designed place, all nautical dark wood finishes and floor-to-ceiling aquariums. With its flawless seafood menu and prime seats for watching boats float under the Bay Bridge, Waterbar is a sought-after proposal spot. Don’t miss the chandelier with glowing orbs—a subtle nod to the restaurant’s extensive caviar program.
From a legendary steakhouse to cozy omakase, cocktails and cicchetti to a party of empanadas, you can find the right restaurant for any kind of date in San Francisco on OpenTable. Make sure to lock down a table at the most romantic restaurants in SF by snagging a reservation on OpenTable now.
Book a table today at one of the most romantic restaurants in SF on OpenTable.
For more amazing dining options in San Francisco, check out these guides:
- 13 top restaurants in San Francisco that scream special occasion
- The 12 most beautiful San Francisco restaurants to visit right now
- SF’s 13 hottest restaurant openings of 2024
- 9 San Francisco restaurants that scream cozy
Becky Duffett is a food writer living and eating in San Francisco. She was the deputy editor for Eater SF and has written for Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, the New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Follow her on Instagram at @beckyduffett.
Valerie Demicheva is a Bay Area-based journalist and photographer whose work has appeared on the covers of the San Francisco Chronicle, Women’s Wear Daily, and Silicon Valley Magazine. Follow her on X at @vdemicheva.
